I'm installing my tail light converter and would like to know where to pass the wiring and connector through from the rear of the wagon to the underside of the car. TIA,
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Erwin in Memphis, '95855t, '86 Guzzi LeMans, '76 Montesa 348 Cota

Erwin,
On my 96 850 wagon, I used a Draw-Tite modulite wiring connector, and keep it in the spare tire well. I just hang it out the tailgate when I need to use it. Keeps the connector in much better shape.
I ran the power lead up the driver's side, under the sill covers- pretty easy. One tip if you are using a convertor with a separate 12V source- there is an accessory connector under the driver's dash panel. It is a 2-part yellow? connector. Your owner's manual should describe the various pin assignments. The male half of the connector block needs the terminal pin installed in the correct slot before you can use it. You can get this at the dealer. You should be able to figure it out- much easier than running the wire all the way to the battery. Use the slot that is 12V unswitched- since you want to be able to use flashers/parking lights when the key is off. I may have the part number for the connector pin if you need it. Take the other half of the connector to the dealer with you. Oh yea, use the ground screw in the back by the tailight.
Good luck,
Dave H.
96 855
93 854GLT

Dave,

Thanks for the great tips. I was in the garage last night installing the converter and finally found a "pass through." On either side, beneath the side floor sections and under the rubber and foam panel is a vent to the outside. It's a grid of about eight square holes with a rubber flap on the outside to keep out debris. If you reach up under the bumper cover just behind the rear wheels you'll feel it. Anyway, that's where I brought out the trailer wiring. I'll cap the end to keep the contacts clean.

I was going to run the power lead through this vent and up to the battery but I'm thinking of using the accessory power you described. I'm not too concerned about it being switched as my trailer is very low and small with lots of 3M diamond-type red and white reflector material on it. The car's lights would be seen easily.

Thanks again,
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Erwin in Memphis, '95855t, '86 Guzzi LeMans, '76 Montesa 348 Cota

I have about 5 feet of wire on the car end of my trailer wiring and keep it coiled up and stored inside the driver side tail light access. When I hook up the trailer, I simply hook it up and close the trunk lid on it. It's a good idea to put a plastic sheath over the wire where the trunk will close on it and make sure the wire isn't laying across the center where the trunk latch is. Also, have enough slack outside the car to allow for turning. I know this may sound a little unorthodox but it works well and I don't have to worry about damage to the wire connector from it hanging ouside the back of he car when it's not being used.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the reply. I might end up doing somthing like you suggest. My car came with the optional CD changer mounted on the left floor panel and it needs to be removed before you have access to the fastener and cover for the taillight. I could just coil it up in the spare tire well.
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Erwin in Memphis, '95855t, '86 Guzzi LeMans, '76 Montesa 348 Cota